Category Archives: Going Strong

How To Take Control Of Your Health This Spring

There are some aspects of our health that we cannot control. However, by making a real effort to stay fit and healthy as you age, you can reduce your chances of dealing with complex health problems further down the line. 

group fitness instructor workout session, health, aging

Photo by Gabin Vallet on Unsplash

With that in mind, here are some simple yet effective ways in which you can take control over your health this spring.

Identify bad habits. 

Bad habits have earned their name for a reason – and by continuing to participate in them, you may be causing significant damage to both your physical and mental health. As such, now is the perfect time to take a close look at your hobbies so that you can put a stop to those that may be harming you, such as smoking. 

Address problems sooner rather than later. 

Many people are quick to dismiss signs of sickness, such as aches and pains, in the hope that they will go away on their own. However, this is rarely the case, and you may require medication or other healthcare support to return to your usual self once again.

As a result, you should ensure that you do not put off going to the doctor – even if you’d rather be anywhere else. Doing so gives you quick and easy access to the support you need and could also help when it comes to detecting certain diseases or complications while they are still in their early stages. 

Take pain management seriously. 

Pain can impact your day-to-day life in many ways, whether caused by a sports injury or poor posture. For example, it may stop you from exercising, which means you are no longer on track to meet your fitness goals. As such, you must take pain management seriously and rely on the relevant support services when you need them. For example, you could visit a chiropractor to help relieve pain in different areas of your body. 

Drink more water. 

Drinking more water is one of the easiest – and yet most effective ways to take your health into your own hands. This is because staying properly hydrated supports many different functions within our body, including the regulation of our immune system, making it easier to fight off sickness and infection. As such, you should drink 1.5-2 litres of water a day.

Get more sleep. 
Long, sleepless nights could be a sign that you are not as healthy as you think you are. As a result, you must focus on getting the downtime you need to thrive in your daily life. There are many ways in which you can approach this issue. For example, many scientific studies have found that going to bed at the same time every night can ‘program’ your body so that you automatically begin to feel tired at this time. This could make it a little easier to drift off. You can also make it easier to fall asleep by avoiding using your phone for a few hours before bed, as this can help you wind down.

Raheem’s Adventures: Fun and Educational Children’s Books

The following 3 books by the author, Jawad, have been written with a fun and educational spirit. Jawad was kind enough to share details on each of his books below, please read on to learn more about them.

Raheem and his Magic Shoes:

This Book shares two of my passions, which are basketball and a story that has a meaningful message. The book is aimed at children ages 3 to 8 and currently is on Amazon.ca’s top 100 basketball books for children. The book is available at locations for the Toronto public library, Milton public library, and Mississauga central library.

Book Blurb:

Dribble right then dribbles left. He dribbles past his opponents. He takes a jump shot and … swisssssh!  Raheem loves to play basketball and is eager to make the team, but he believes the only way he can make it is with his magical shoes. Will the shoes work? Raheem will try anything! “Raheem and his Magic shoes” is the inspiring story of Raheem and his quest to make the basketball team. This fully illustrated book tells the story of a young boy who believes he isn’t good enough without his special kicks to make the team.
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/168902514X

Raheem the Superhero:

This fun read was inspired by my little nephew who loves superheroes and his willingness to help others in need.  

Book Blurb:

Incredible strength, lightning speed, x-ray vision, and the ability to fly are just some of Raheem’s favorite superhero abilities! Every superhero needs them, right? You can’t save the day without them? Right???? That’s what makes a SUPERHERO a superhero, rightttttt? Raheem seems to think so.

From the author of “Raheem and his Magic Shoes,” comes a story about Raheem’s wish for superhero powers so he can help save the day.  This book helps empower kids, with the understanding that they have their own special powers and shares a meaningful message, that parents and children will enjoy.
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08CP92PPL

Raheem the Referee:

As a basketball referee, I wanted to share another side of the sport I enjoy very much.  This book is like a beginner’s guide to basketball officiating. 

https://a.co/d/8dw7cPD

Book Blurb:

Foul! On blue, I mean, yellow…wait, was it a foul?

Being a basketball referee isn’t quite as easy as it looks. You have to make quick decisions that require swift action. Why would anyone want to be a referee? Raheem does, and he wants you to join him!

Breaking the rules is not RIGHT and Raheem wants everyone to play fair. So come along and let’s learn how referees enforce the rules of the game.

BIO:

Jawad is a husband, father, basketball coach, and referee. When he isn’t balling, he is a techie and children’s author. His other works include ‘Raheem and his Magic Shoes’. A tale that has captured the hearts of many young children across the globe. Also, “Raheem the Superhero,” is a story that shows we don’t need superpowers to be real heroes. Once, in his past life, he wrote for a men’s fashion blog.

As a son of immigrant parents, Jawad was taught to appreciate literature and value family at a young age. He draws inspiration from his love for his family, his imaginative mind, and his love for storytelling.

Jawad Tariq currently lives in Oakville, Ontario.

5 Personal Health Areas Men Often Neglect

Men’s health can often be neglected due to work pressure or a lack of awareness. Unfortunately, this is an all-too-common mistake men make. They neglect certain aspects of their wellbeing, which could have serious repercussions on their lives as a whole. That’s why it’s essential for individuals to prioritize their own wellbeing and work towards living a happier and healthier life. In this blog post, we’ll look at five areas men tend to neglect when it comes to personal wellbeing, and raise awareness of these areas.

Via Pexels 

Mental Health

Men often neglect their mental health despite its critical role in overall wellbeing. Although it’s considered taboo to discuss it openly, mental health is just as essential to overall well-being as physical health. Unfortunately, men are less likely to seek professional help for mental health issues compared to women; this can have devastating results, such as depression, anxiety, or even suicide in extreme cases. To address this critical issue, organizations like Serenity Mental Health provide essential services tailored to men’s mental health needs. These professional services offer therapy, counselling, and support groups specifically designed to encourage men to seek help and talk openly about their struggles. By breaking the stigma and promoting mental health awareness, professional support plays a vital role in helping men achieve emotional and psychological well-being, ultimately saving lives and improving quality of life. Therefore, prioritizing mental health and seeking professional assistance when needed is paramount; furthermore, men can contribute significantly towards raising mental health awareness by talking openly about it and supporting those who require support.

Sleep

Men often neglect their sleep patterns, unaware of their importance for health. Many men struggle with work stress and unhealthy lifestyles, which lead to insomnia or other sleep disorders. Not getting enough shut-eye can cause daytime sleepiness, lack of concentration, productivity loss, and weakened immunity; thus, it is important to get at least 7-8 hours per night for men to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Addiction to technology, such as late-night snacking or alcohol consumption, should all be avoided in order to promote proper snooze patterns.

Nutrition

Men often neglect their diet, choosing quick and unhealthy meals instead of nutritious ones. This can have a significant impact on their overall health, leading to obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. Eating a balanced diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains will promote not only better health but also increased energy levels. Even if you follow an alternative diet such as carnivore diet or keto diet, make sure the quality of foods you eat is not compromised, and steer clear of junk food and processed sugars whenever possible.

Exercise

Many men neglect physical activity in their daily routine, leading to various health issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and lack of mobility. Exercise not only prevents these chronic diseases but also boosts energy levels, improves moods, and maintains a healthy weight. Men should aim for at least 30 minutes of daily exercise, including activities like jogging, cycling, or weight lifting; all men who haven’t been exercising recently know how challenging starting can be; however, you can make it easier by breaking up the exercise into smaller chunks throughout the day or opting for low-intensity activities like walking or swimming instead.

Dental Care

Men often neglect dental hygiene, leading to issues like cavities, gum disease, and other oral health complications. Regular brushing and flossing can help avoid these problems from arising. Men should visit their local dentist at least twice a year for checkups and cleanings; additionally, they should practice proper oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing once daily.

Men must prioritize their health by paying attention to mental health, sleep, nutrition, exercise, and regular checkups. We hope the five health tips above will help men live happier and healthier lives. Remember: health is wealth; neglecting one’s wellbeing can have devastating results. Therefore, making necessary changes for improved wellbeing is essential.